Topton teen competes in Miss PA State pageant

Brandywine Heights freshman Samantha Evangelista, 14, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Pennsylvania State pageant to be held Aug. 11 and 12 in Harrisburg.

For her talent the Topton teen will be singing “Think of me” from Phantom of the Opera.

“I am excited about seeing friends I made in the pageant last year and meeting lots of new girls,” said Samantha.

Last year Samantha competed for the first time and received the title of State Amabassador, and was one of 25 girls who qualified for Nationals in California in her age division, out of 250 State finalists. She was unable to attend, but is hoping to qualify this year.

“I am so excited to be chosen to compete this year. I enjoyed it so much last year. Even though the days were usually about 17-hours long, it was such a great experience and a great way to make new friends from all over Pennsylvania.”

This pageant is for girls 4 - 18 and have five different age divisions. Samantha will be competing in the Jr-Teen age division against other young ladies across the state. The National American Miss pageants keeps all activities and competitions at age appropriate levels. The pageant program is based on inner-beauty as well as poise and presentation and offers an “All-American spirit of fun for family and friends”. Emphasis is put on the importance of gaining self confidence, learning good sportsmanship and setting and achieving personal goals. The pageant recognizes the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for her future. Samantha will be competing in Talent, Acting and Photogenic.